The following NOAA map shows the Impact of 6 meters Sea
Level Rise. The red indicates areas of inundation resulting in the loss of
sovereign territory.

Unfortunately, according to
Kenneth G. Miller, professor of earth and planetary sciences, Rutgers
University, “The natural state of the earth with present carbon dioxide levels
is one with sea levels about 20 meters higher than at present.”

Even more ominously the atmospheric carbon dioxide trend is inexorably higher.
Over the last fifty years there has been a 25 percent increase from 320 parts
per million (ppm) to 400 ppm and in spite of the fact the threat from climate
change has been public knowledge for at least half that period, the rate of
increase has remained constant.

As well as the threat to the territorial integrity of coastal nations,
the Whitehouse cites the following National Security Implications from
selected Federal Reports.

Climate change is an urgent and growing threat to our national security,
contributing to increased natural disasters, refugee flows, and conflicts over
basic resources like food and water. The present day effects of climate change
are being felt from the Arctic to the Midwest. Increased sea levels and storm
surges threaten coastal regions, infrastructure, and property. In turn, the
global economy suffers, compounding the growing costs of preparing and restoring
infrastructure.”

“We judge global climate change will have wide-ranging implications for
U.S.national security interests over the next 20 years . . . The United States
depends on a smooth functioning international system ensuring the flow of trade
and market access to critical raw materials such as oil and gas, and security
for its allies and partners. Climate change and climate change policies could
affect all of these domestic stability in a number of key states, the opening of
new sea lanes and access to raw materials, and the global economy more broadly
with significant geopolitical consequences.”

“A changing climate will have real impacts on our military and the way it
executes its missions.The military could be called upon more often to support
civil authorities, and provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in
the face of more frequent and more intense natural disasters. Our coastal
installations are vulnerable to rising sea leve ls and increased flooding, while
droughts, wildfires, and more extreme temperatures could threaten many of our
training activities. Our supply chains could be impacted, and we will need to
ensure our critical equipment works under more extreme weather conditions.
Weather has always affected military operations, and as the climate changes, the
way we execute operations may be altered or constrained. . . Climate change will
affect the Department of Defense’s ability to defend the Nation and poses
immediate risks to U.S. national security.”